Huntington Hardisty

Huntington Hardisty (February 3, 1929 – October 1, 2003) was a United States Navy four star admiral who served as Vice Chief of Naval Operations from 1987 to 1988; and Commander in Chief, United States Pacific Command from 1988 to 1991.

Early life Hardisty was offered a Major League Baseball contract with the Chicago Cubs but opted for a scholarship to the University of North Carolina. He later transferred to the United States Naval Academy where he played football.

Naval career After graduation in 1952, Hardisty attended pilot training and earned his wings in 1953. The actual F4H-1 'Sageburner' is now in storage at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C.

Headstone of Huntington Hardisty at Arlington National Cemetery. Hardisty's assignments included command of Carrier Air Wing Eleven, and . As a flag officer he was President of the Naval War College, commanded the U.S. Naval Base Subic Bay in the Philippines; commanded Carrier Strike Force Seventh Fleet; and served as Director for Operations, Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; Deputy and Chief of Staff, United States Pacific Command; Vice Chief of Naval Operations; and Commander in Chief, United States Pacific Command. He also received the Gray Eagle Award.

Later career Hardisty was one of the technical directors for the movie Hunt for Red October. After retiring from the navy in 1991, Hardisty was a board member of several corporations and served as president of Kaman Aerospace International in Connecticut. He belonged to numerous organizations, including the Association of Naval Aviation, and served as chairman of the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association.

Hardisty died on October 1, 2003, in Hartford, Connecticut, at the age of 74. He was later interred on December 5, 2003, in Arlington National Cemetery.

Awards and decorations

Naval Aviator BadgeDefense Distinguished Service MedalNavy Distinguished Service Medal with one gold award starSilver StarLegion of Merit with four award stars and Combat VDistinguished Flying Cross with award starMeritorious Service MedalAir Medal with gold award numeral 3 and bronze strike/flight numeral 4Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Combat V and two award starsNavy Unit Commendation with one bronze service starNavy Meritorious Unit Commendation with service starNavy Expeditionary Medal with service starChina Service MedalNational Defense Service Medal with two service starsArmed Forces Expeditionary Medal with service starVietnam Service Medal with seven service starsNavy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with two service starsPhilippine Legion of Honor, Chief CommanderVietnam Navy Distinguished Service Order, 2nd classVietnam Gallantry Cross Unit CitationVietnam Campaign MedalJoint Chiefs of Staff Identification BadgeUnited States Pacific Command Badge